10 Best Places to Visit in March USA: Weather-Perfect Destinations (2027 Guide)
Quick Answer: Where Is the Best Place to Visit in March in the USA?
The best places to visit in March in the USA are Miami, Palm Springs, Orlando, Tempe and New Orleans for warm weather, and Charleston, Austin and San Diego for mild spring days. March gives you comfortable temperatures, shoulder season hotel rates and smaller crowds before summer travel takes over.
For the warmest weather, go to Palm Springs (about 83°F), Miami (about 80°F) or Orlando (about 79°F). For food, music and festivals, I send people to New Orleans, Austin and Memphis. For a luxury long weekend, Las Vegas and Charleston deliver without peak season pricing.
Get My Travel Safety Guide ($19.99)I’ll never forget my first March trip to Washington, D.C. I’d timed it perfectly for cherry blossom season, or so I thought.
I arrived a week too early, shivering in 40°F weather while staring at bare branches.
That mistake taught me something I will never forget: March in the USA is a tale of two climates, and knowing where to go makes all the difference between a spring escape and a cold, disappointing vacation.
The best places to visit in the USA in March fall into three categories: southern cities with perfect 65-75°F weather, desert regions with wildflower blooms, and a handful of northern spots with spring festivals.
Why March is My Favorite Month for US Travel
March sits in that sweet spot between winter blues and summer crowds. I’ve consistently found:
- 30-40% lower prices compared to the summer peak season
- Fewer tourists at major attractions (except spring break hotspots)
- Unpredictable but manageable weather if you pack layers
- Festival season is ramping up across the country
What This Guide Covers
Places I’ve personally visited and vetted, and you’ll find:
- Average March temperatures for every city, plus what I have seen on my own trips
- Crowd levels based on actual experiences
- A safety note for every destination, based on what I watch for when I travel
- Where to stay in each city, from luxury resorts to boutique hotels
How I Chose These 10 Destinations
My criteria were simple:
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- Weather advantage: Places where March weather is better than summer
- Value proposition: Shoulder season pricing without sacrificing experience
- Unique March events: Festivals, blooms, or seasonal activities
- Accessibility: Easy to reach via major airports
- Personal experience: I’ve been there in March and would return
Whether you’re chasing 80-degree pool days in Palm Springs, hiking red rocks in the Arizona sunshine, or eating your way through New Orleans, these are my favorite March destinations
Let’s discuss the 10 destinations where March isn’t just tolerable but actually the best time to visit.
Find Flight Deals For March
Planning a March getaway? Use this tool to compare flight prices across airlines, check flexible dates, and spot routes that drop in price before you book.
One search shows you the options so you can choose what works for your schedule and budget.
Search March FlightsWhat’s the Weather Like in March Across the USA?
March in the USA splits into two climates. The South and Southwest feel like early summer, while the North is still shaking off winter. Here is what to expect in each city on my list. These are approximate average daily highs and lows, so pack a light layer for evenings, even in the desert.
| City | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando, FL | 79°F (26°C) | 58°F (14°C) | Theme parks, springs, outdoor dining |
| Austin, TX | 73°F (23°C) | 52°F (11°C) | Live music, SXSW, BBQ |
| Las Vegas, NV | 70°F (21°C) | 50°F (10°C) | Shows, pool season, Red Rock Canyon |
| San Diego, CA | 66°F (19°C) | 52°F (11°C) | Coastal walks, whale watching |
| Charleston, SC | 70°F (21°C) | 47°F (8°C) | Garden blooms, food scene |
| Memphis, TN | 63°F (17°C) | 44°F (7°C) | Music history, BBQ |
| Tempe, AZ | 77°F (25°C) | 55°F (13°C) | Spring training, desert hikes |
| Palm Springs, CA | 83°F (28°C) | 56°F (13°C) | Pool days, desert warmth |
| New Orleans, LA | 73°F (23°C) | 56°F (13°C) | Festivals, food |
| Miami, FL | 80°F (27°C) | 67°F (19°C) | Beach days, swimming |
Best Warm Places to Visit in March USA
1) Orlando, Florida
Orlando is where I send people who want warm March weather without paying Miami prices. Highs average around 79°F, the summer humidity hasn’t arrived yet, and you can spend a full day outside without melting in a ride line.
My one warning is spring break. Mid-March is one of the busiest stretches of the year at the parks, so if theme parks and rides are the reason for your trip, go in early March or the last week of the month.
Orlando has a lot more to offer than roller coasters. March is the tail end of manatee season, and I would rather spend a morning watching manatees in the warm water at Blue Spring State Park than standing in a two-hour line. If you want sand, Clearwater Beach is about two hours west on the Gulf.
When I do want thrills, Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom and the slides at Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort are my picks.
There are plenty of attractions for those wanting a quieter day out, too. EPCOT has world-class shopping, great dining options, and educational and entertaining activities.
On the first Friday of every month, Leu Gardens offers an outdoor movie night where you can cuddle up on the lawn to watch a Hollywood flick.
Fill a picnic basket with food, wine, and beer, and stake out your spot on the lawn before watching a movie under the stars.
If you are a wine enthusiast, check out Quantum Leap Winery, which produces sustainable wines with grapes from around the world. Check their calendar, which is always packed with unique events, or join the wine club.
My safety note: The theme parks have heavy security, so the places I watch are the parking lots and hotel garages along International Drive, where rental cars get broken into. I never leave a bag or shopping bag visible in the car, even for a quick stop.
The March sun is stronger than it feels at 79°F, so I reapply sunscreen at lunch and carry a refillable water bottle into the parks.
If you take a rideshare after the fireworks, walk to the official pickup zone and match the license plate before you get in.
Where to Stay in Orlando: Waldorf Astoria Orlando
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando is a hotel near Walt Disney World and features luxurious rooms and amenities, making it one of Florida’s top resorts.
Located in the southeast corner of Walt Disney World Resort, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando feels a lot like its New York counterpart.
Similar design elements (such as the clock in the resort lobby) and notable dining establishments like Peacock Alley and the Bull & Bear Steakhouse are reproduced here.
But this Waldorf Astoria property is decidedly Floridian, with citrus hues accenting the decor and on-site facilities that make the most of the warm weather and sunshine.
The big draw here is the 18-hole championship golf course, ideally accompanied by the natural wetland backdrop. And the cabana-lined lap pool and the zero-entry pool are great for lounging and catching a tan.
Orlando is an excellent destination if you are looking for a warm place to visit in the USA in March.
2) Austin, Texas
Austin averages highs around 73°F in March, which is ideal weather for patio dining and outdoor music. It is also one of the best cities in the country for live music. The city hosts South by Southwest every year and is known as a place where indie bands often find success.
On top of that, there are some great sites in town, including the Texas State Capitol, Zilker Park and the LBJ Presidential Library on the University of Texas campus.
March is also when the Mexican free-tailed bats return to the Congress Avenue Bridge, and riverboat bat-watching tours on Lady Bird Lake start up for the season.
The colony grows through spring and peaks in late summer, and the same riverboats also offer incredible sunset, sightseeing, and moonlight cruise tours of Lady Bird Lake.
I also suggest experiencing one of the fantastic kayaking tours offered on the lake.
Austin has become a culinary mecca for home cooking, Ethiopian, BBQ, and Cajun-style cuisine; check out these Black-owned eateries that combine a mix of their own family’s recipes along with a style of their own.
My safety note: If your trip overlaps with SXSW in mid-March, Sixth Street gets shoulder to shoulder after dark. I enjoy it early in the evening, then move to South Congress or Rainey Street when the crowd gets rowdy.
Rideshare prices surge and fake drivers work the pickup lines, so confirm the plate and the driver’s name before you open the door. T
he rental scooters all over downtown cause plenty of injuries, so if you ride one, do it in daylight and away from the busiest streets.
Where to Stay in Austin: Canopy by Hilton
Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown sits in the West 6th Market District, less than a mile from the State Capitol and an easy walk to downtown restaurants. Zilker Park and the University of Texas are within three miles.
I like it for a March trip because the hotel lends free bikes, which is the easiest way to ride the Lady Bird Lake trail, and the pool terrace has skyline views and a seasonal bar.
If you are coming for SXSW, you are close to the action without sleeping on top of Sixth Street.
3) Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas averages highs around 70°F in March, so pool season is open and you can walk the Strip without the summer heat. It is also one of the most visited cities in the country.
If you are interested in taking a trip here for a girls’ trip, gamble at one of the many casinos, or you might even want to indulge in a little weed because it is now legal in Nevada.
Ride the High Roller, the 550-foot observation wheel at The LINQ, for views over the Strip, or book dinner at Picasso at Bellagio, where original Picasso works hang in the dining room.
One of my favorite things to do in Vegas is to check out Cirque du Soleil, the world’s largest producer of contemporary circus.
Several Cirque shows run on the Strip at the same time, so pick one before you go and book seats ahead.
If you are looking to get off the strip, head to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, about 17 miles west of the Strip. It is a beautiful stretch of the Mojave Desert.
You can enjoy nature’s wonders by driving through the Canyon, hiking along paths, or riding your bike along the scenic route.
You can’t go to Vegas without taking a sneak peek into Planet 13. It’s housed in a 112,000-square-foot building, so there’s plenty to see!
Not only will you come to the biggest dispensary in Las Vegas, but you’ll also see artistic features found nowhere else in the world.
On top of the roof, there are even 15-foot-tall neon lotus flowers made of metal stems and acrylic leaves. In front of the building, you’ll see an 18-foot outdoor water feature with colorful LED lights and fog for a glowing effect.
Go after dark, when the lights are on and the building glows.
My safety note: Vegas is built to keep you up late and drinking, so I set my limits before I leave the room and never leave my drink unattended at the table.
The Strip looks walkable, but two resorts that look side by side can be a 20-minute walk apart, so wear real shoes.
If you drive out to Red Rock Canyon, book the timed entry reservation ahead of time, bring more water than you think you need, and be off the trails before sunset because the desert cools fast in March.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas: Waldorf Astoria
The Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas is a non-gaming hotel at the entrance to CityCenter on the Strip, so you get the location without casino noise in the lobby.
A sky bridge connects it to The Shops at Crystals, and T-Mobile Arena is about a half-mile away.
This is where I would book for a girls trip or a quieter luxury weekend. March is pool season in Vegas, and the hotel has three pools, a full spa and a concierge team that can handle show tickets and dinner reservations.
4) San Diego, California
With mild weather, Southern California is an excellent destination for travel during March.
San Diego, located on San Diego Bay, has many popular tourist destinations within driving distance of one another.
Some of these include SeaWorld, Mission Beach, and Coronado Island.
The USS Midway Museum is also a popular attraction here, which you will not want to miss.
Another major landmark in San Diego is Balboa Park, founded in 1868 and spanning about 1,200 acres, featuring beautiful gardens and cultural museums, including art and natural history museums, an IMAX theatre, and a zoo.
Whether hiking along the sandstone cliffs of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, walking the wide, flat sand at Coronado Beach, or admiring the views at La Jolla Cove, San Diego makes it easy to spend whole days outside.
Though it’s tempting to spend your whole vacation exploring, don’t forget to carve out some time for a San Diego history lesson: America’s Finest City proudly shows off its military and maritime heritage with two well-regarded (and highly interactive) museums.
It’s also home to many beaches, so if you are looking for warm places to visit or places you can visit in March (like spring break), I highly recommend San Diego as one of the best places to visit in March in the USA.
My safety note: The ocean is the biggest risk here in March. The water sits around 58 to 60°F and rip currents are common, so swim only near a lifeguard tower.
At Sunset Cliffs, stay behind the fences because the sandstone edges crumble and people fall every year.
In La Jolla, keep your distance from the seals at Children’s Pool, which is in pupping season through mid-May. In the Gaslamp Quarter after the bars close, I take a rideshare back to my hotel instead of walking.
Where to Stay in San Diego: Carte Hotel
This hotel, which opened in 2019, rises 16 stories above the neighborhood a few blocks east of Waterfront Park and within walking distance of all the popular restaurants in Little Italy.
Soak in bay views during the day at Above Ash Social, the rooftop restaurant, or come back in the evening to relax by a fire pit or in front of the enormous TV.
5) Charleston, South Carolina
If your idea of a good time involves great food, scenery, and history all wrapped up in one, consider heading to Charleston for a taste of everything in the Lowcountry.
Every year, Charleston is voted one of America’s top cities.
For good reason: you can take a dolphin-watching boat tour around Charleston Harbor or spend an afternoon at historic landmarks like Fort Sumter and McLeod Plantation Historic Site.
Don’t miss Church Street, which was named one of America’s Greatest Streets by AARP Magazine.
The streets are lined with specialty shops and restaurants where you can get a taste of traditional South Carolina cuisines like Lowcountry boils, shrimp & grits, chicken & waffles, and more.
Something is going on almost every weekend in March, including the Charleston Wine + Food festival in early March and the Festival of Houses and Gardens, when private historic homes and gardens open for tours.
Spoleto Festival USA follows later in the spring, from late May into June.
One of my favorite things in Charleston is taking a Gullah Tour. These tours take visitors through the city’s historical sites, offering insight into Charleston’s Black history.
Gullah is the language of the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved West Africans in the Lowcountry, and it is still spoken today.
If you like food, don’t miss out on savoring some fantastic local cuisine. Hannibal’s Kitchen is a family-owned establishment serving Charleston for over 40 years.
The restaurant is best known for its seafood dishes served at breakfast. You can choose dishes like sautéed crab over grits or unique Charleston dishes like a fried shark over grits.
And if you like great beaches, take a trip to one of Charleston’s many beautiful beaches on Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island.
My safety note: Downtown streets flood quickly during heavy rain and high tides. If you see standing water on the road, don’t drive or walk through it, because it’s often deeper than it looks.
The sidewalks south of Broad Street are old brick and uneven, so I save my heels for dinner and walk in flats. Car break-ins happen in downtown garages and on side streets, so take your valuables in with you.
Where to Stay in Charleston: Hotel Emeline
Hotel Emeline is a complete transformation of the former DoubleTree on this site, the only constant being the historic front door.
Emeline’s spacious foyer feels more like a hip living room than the lobby, with a boisterous Motown soundtrack.
Walk up the center steps to check in, where you are handed a potent punch cocktail (or house lemonade if you wish).
As you sip, take a sidetrack down the discreet wheelchair ramp to locate a hidden curio cabinet of Lowcountry treasures: taxidermy shorebird, turtle shell, barnacle-covered sea glass, cicada, guinea feathers, and much more.
6) Memphis, Tennessee
The weather starts to warm up around March in Memphis. Check out Beale Street, known as the Home of the Blues, then tour Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock and roll, where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and B.B. King recorded.
The neighborhood’s nightclubs, bars, and music venues have attracted people for years.
It’s one of the few US cities with a majority-Black population, and its residents are doing what it takes to ensure our culture is the city’s highlight.
Memphis is home to icons like Ida B. Wells, Morgan Freeman, Aretha Franklin, Isaac Hayes, BB King, and Leslie Jones, who have all called Memphis home.
Music is Memphis, and Memphis is music. Plan a visit to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music to see how Stax Records artists have paved the way for Black musicians.
Right in the middle of Soulsville, USA, and adjacent to the Stax Music Academy, you’ll get an in-depth history of the origins of Memphis soul.
Don’t leave Soulsville without experiencing some of the best BBQs in Memphis. My favorite BBQ spot is Cozy Corner, a Black-owned restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
My safety note: I know Memphis well, so I’ll be direct. The city has a car break-in problem, so I leave nothing in the car, not even a phone charger.
I stay downtown or in the South Main district, keep my nights around Beale Street, and take a rideshare between neighborhoods after dark instead of walking.
The major sites, from the National Civil Rights Museum to Graceland, are well staffed and easy to visit, and my guide to Black history in Memphis covers the ones I recommend most. For neighborhoods and hotels, see my guide on where to stay in Memphis.
Where to Stay in Memphis: Canopy by Hilton
Canopy by Hilton is the best hotel in downtown Memphis. Creative, atmospheric, and historically layered, Canopy Hotel is located in the city’s oldest area and is within walking distance of Beale Street.
You can walk everywhere from Canopy by Hilton, including Beale Street, I AM Man Plaza, MLK Reflection Park, Ernest Withers Museum, First Baptist Church, and many more attractions.
The hotel is next to AutoZone Park, a half-mile from FedEx Forum.
The Memphis Music Hall of Fame is five minutes away, and they are under a mile from the Mississippi River Park and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.
7) Tempe, Arizona
Tempe sits right between Phoenix and Scottsdale and gets some of the warmest March weather on my list.
With an average high temperature of 77°F, you can expect your days in Tempe to be warm, sunny, and full of adventure.
Spend some time hiking Camelback Mountain or exploring Wrigley Mansion. The surrounding cities of Scottsdale and Phoenix offer many entertainment options for even those with limited time.
And if you want to do some shopping during your trip, you won’t have any trouble finding it either.
Try out Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles when it comes time for dinner. It was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives for good reason! Tempe is one of my favorite places to visit in the USA in March.
My safety note: March is spring training season, and ASU’s spring break usually falls in the same window, so Mill Avenue gets loud and crowded on weekend nights.
I go to Mill Avenue for an early dinner and head back before the bar crowd takes over. The desert sun is strong even at 77°F.
If you hike Hayden Butte (“A” Mountain) or Papago Park, go early, carry water and wear a hat. Most heat problems in Arizona start with visitors who thought March was too cool to worry about.
Where to Stay in Tempe: Canopy by Hilton
Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown puts you within walking distance of Mill Avenue, ASU and Tempe Town Lake, which makes it an easy base if you are in town for spring training.
The design leans on local materials like stone, copper and wood, with deep red and gold tones pulled from the Arizona landscape and work from local artists throughout the hotel.
March is the best time to visit Tempe, Phoenix and Sedona. By late spring, highs climb toward 100°F, so this is your window for hiking and patio dining.
8) Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs offers ideal weather in March, with resort-style golf courses, hot springs, and spas, as well as world-class dining and shopping.
For art and culture lovers, visit an exhibition at one of its many museums or galleries. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway makes for a great day trip from Los Angeles.
It is a fun ride that will take you up thousands of feet into Mount San Jacinto State Park and give you amazing views of Southern California’s Coachella Valley and desert mountain ranges.
And during springtime, it will bring you into bloom time with wildflower fields surrounding it when you are at the top elevation!
My safety note: Late March can reach the 90s, and the dry air dehydrates you faster than you notice.
When I hike Indian Canyons, I start early, carry more water than I expect to drink and turn back by midday. Skip the Cactus to Clouds trail unless you’re an experienced hiker.
It climbs about 10,000 feet and leads to rescues every year. If you ride the Aerial Tramway, bring a jacket, because the top station is often 30 degrees cooler than the valley floor.
Where to Stay Near Palm Springs: The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
The Ritz-Carlton is in Rancho Mirage, about 20 minutes from downtown Palm Springs. It sits on a hillside above the Coachella Valley, so most of the views look out over the desert and the mountains.
Book here if you want a resort stay instead of a downtown hotel.
The Edge Steakhouse has valley views at dinner, and the spa has 16 treatment rooms, many with private terraces, plus plunge pools and space for yoga. If you want lounge access, ask about Club Level rooms.
9) New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a great place to visit in March. Mardi Gras 2027 falls on February 9, so by March the parade crowds are gone, hotel rates come down, and the city moves into its spring festival season.
The warm weather also makes it an excellent time for festivals and outdoor events.
It can get rather hot in New Orleans, so if you don’t like heat or want somewhere less touristy, consider visiting other cities on my list instead.
However, if you want something a little different, head over to New Orleans in March, when festival season is in full swing. It’s one of our best places to visit in March!
So many festivals and events are happening during March that it’s hard not to find something fun and exciting! From the Mardi Gras Indians on Super Sunday to St. Patrick’s Day and St. Joseph’s Day parades and the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival, there is always something going on in NOLA.
Spend an evening walking around all of Jackson Square and take a stroll down Bourbon Street.
There is also plenty of great food, including beignets at Cafe du Monde (on Decatur Street) if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth! After dinner, try local drink specialties like hurricanes.
My safety note: I love New Orleans, and I stay alert there. Pickpockets work the Bourbon Street crowds, so I wear a zipped crossbody bag in front of me.
If someone says, “I bet I can tell you where you got your shoes,” keep walking. It’s an old hustle that ends with a demand for money.
After dark I stick to busy, well-lit blocks and take a rideshare between the French Quarter, the Marigny and my hotel instead of walking. Go-cups make it easy to lose count, so I alternate with water. For hotels, see my guide to the best boutique hotels in New Orleans.
Where to Stay in New Orleans: The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
The Roosevelt New Orleans has operated as a hotel since 1893, and Louisiana governor Huey P. Long once lived here. It sits just off Canal Street, around the corner from Bourbon Street and within walking distance of the French Quarter.
Walk through the lobby even if you do not stay. The block-long Waldorf Promenade is lined with crystal chandeliers, and the Sazerac Bar is one of the classic cocktail stops in the city. On a March trip, the rooftop pool and spa give you a break between festival days.
10) Miami, Florida
March is one of the best months to visit Miami. Highs average about 80°F, the summer humidity has not arrived yet, and the ocean sits around 72 to 74°F, warm enough for a real swim.
When you’re ready for some sun, visit Miami Beach’s famous South Beach and walk down Ocean Drive or Lincoln Road to look at some works by Andy Warhol.
The neighborhood also has plenty of shops, restaurants, and things to do that are perfect if you need a break from Florida’s beaches.
And don’t forget about white-sand activities like body surfing and parasailing! Pack your sunscreen, because the March sun is stronger than 80°F feels.
Need even more reasons to visit? Head to South Pointe Park and photograph yourself next to the South Pointe sign. Or head over to Haulover Beach Park and swim amongst sea turtles.
My safety note: Miami Beach treats March like a security operation. During the peak spring break weeks, expect bag checks on the beach, high parking rates and sometimes curfews or street closures in South Beach.
That’s one reason I stay in Brickell and visit the beach during the day. Swim near a lifeguard stand and check the flag before you go in.
A purple flag means dangerous marine life, usually Portuguese man o’ war in spring. Keep your phone and bag with you instead of on your towel while you swim.
Where to Stay in Miami: Four Seasons
Four Seasons Hotel Miami is in Brickell, the financial district, which is where I prefer to stay during spring break. You are away from the South Beach crowds and about a 15 to 20 minute drive from the sand.
The building rises 70 stories, and the two-acre pool terrace on the seventh floor is the reason to book here in March. When you are done at the pool, EDGE Steak & Bar is downstairs for dinner.
Which US Beaches Are Warm in March?
I love beach destinations, but I’ll be honest, most aren’t actually “warm” by summer standards.
But if you’re craving sand between your toes and don’t mind a light jacket, here are the beaches I suggest in March.
My Top Warm Beach destinations:
Miami Beach, Florida, remains my top pick for warm March beach time. When I visited last March, temperatures sat right around 80°F, and the ocean sat at a swimmable 74°F.
South Beach was busy but not summer-level crowded, and I found hotel deals 40% cheaper than peak-season rates.
Key West, Florida, takes it up a notch with 80°F days and that laid-back island vibe without the cruise ship chaos of the winter months. The water feels refreshing rather than shocking, and the Duval Street scene is energetic without being overwhelming.
Beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island (Kona side) give you the most consistent warmth. I’ve never experienced March weather below 75°F there.
The ocean hovers around 76°F, which feels like bathwater compared to mainland options. Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea Beach are my go-tos for calm, clear water.
The “Warm-ish” Contenders
San Diego, California, offers beautiful 65°F beach days, but that 60°F ocean temperature keeps most people out of the water.
I spend March afternoons at La Jolla Cove and Coronado Beach in jeans and a light sweater. Perfect for walking, not swimming.
Gulf Shores, Alabama, surprises people with 68-70°F air temperatures and emptier beaches than Florida.
The Gulf water sits around 65°F, cold but manageable for a quick dip if you’re brave. If you’re going during spring break, read my Gulf Shores spring break guide first.
South Padre Island, Texas, hits 72°F on good days, though the spring break crowds (mid-March) can be intense. I prefer to visit in early or late March to avoid the crowds while still enjoying warm sunshine.
What “Warm” Really Means in March
Ocean temperatures lag behind air temperatures by about 6-8 weeks. So even when the air feels summer-like, the water remembers winter.
My rule of thumb: any ocean temperature below 70°F requires a wetsuit for comfortable swimming. Anything above 74°F feels legitimately tropical. If you want the party, my list of top spring break destinations tells you where to find it.
Beach Temperature Rankings for March
| Rank | Beach | Air Temp | Water Temp | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii (Big Island, Kona side) | 75–80°F (24–27°C) | 75–76°F (24°C) | Best for real swimming |
| 2 | Key West, FL | 78–82°F (26–28°C) | 75–77°F (24–25°C) | Warmest mainland option |
| 3 | Miami, FL | 78–80°F (26–27°C) | 72–74°F (22–23°C) | Swimmable |
| 4 | Naples, FL | 75–78°F (24–26°C) | 70–72°F (21–22°C) | Swimmable for most |
| 5 | South Padre Island, TX | 70–72°F (21–22°C) | 65–68°F (18–20°C) | Wetsuit weather |
| 6 | Gulf Shores, AL | 68–70°F (20–21°C) | 63–65°F (17–18°C) | Beach walks, not swimming |
| 7 | San Diego, CA | 63–65°F (17–18°C) | 58–60°F (14–16°C) | Scenic, not swimmable |
If you want guaranteed warm swimming, stick with Hawaii or South Florida.
If you’re happy with beach walks and occasional toe-dipping, San Diego and the Gulf Coast deliver gorgeous scenery without the summer price tag or crowds.
Best March Destinations for Outdoor Adventures
March is when you can trade your winter coat for hiking boots, and these destinations deliver perfect “Goldilocks weather” for getting outside without melting in summer heat.
Desert Adventures
Sedona, Arizona, is my #1 March outdoor pick. I hiked Cathedral Rock last March in 70°F sunshine with wildflowers blooming on the trails. The red rocks pop against bright blue skies, and you’ll actually find parking at popular trailheads (unlike impossible summer months). Devil’s Bridge and West Fork Trail are must-dos.
Joshua Tree National Park, California, transforms in March. I’ve caught the desert super bloom here twice. When winter rains cooperate, the park fills with yellow brittlebush and purple sand verbena. Temps sit around 75°F, perfect for scrambling up Ryan Mountain or exploring the Cholla Cactus Garden.
Big Bend National Park, Texas, is brutally hot in summer but absolutely perfect in March at 70-75°F. I spent three days hiking the South Rim Trail and soaking in natural hot springs along the Rio Grande. Bonus: it’s one of America’s least crowded national parks.
Mountain & Trail Adventures
Zion National Park, Utah in March means fewer people on Angels Landing (you still need a permit) and cooler temps.
The Narrows is often closed in March when spring runoff raises the Virgin River, so check the park’s current flow conditions before you plan around it.
I wore a wetsuit for the river sections; water temperatures hover around 45°F, but hiking through those narrow slot canyons without summer crowds was worth the cold feet.
The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina, deliver my favorite spring wildflower displays. Early March catches the tail end of winter solitude, while late March brings blooming trilliums and violets.
Alum Cave Trail and Charlies Bunion offer wide mountain views without summer humidity.
Moab, Utah (Arches & Canyonlands) sits at ideal 60-65°F temperatures. I mountain biked the Slickrock Trail and hiked Delicate Arch in short sleeves. Try that in July’s 100°F heat.
Coastal & Water Adventures
Everglades National Park, Florida, is unbeatable in March. Summer’s mosquitoes haven’t arrived yet, and I kayaked through mangrove tunnels spotting alligators, manatees, and roseate spoonbills in 75°F comfort.
The Anhinga Trail delivers guaranteed wildlife sightings.
Big Sur, California, hiking is spectacular when winter wildflowers blanket the coastal bluffs.
I tackled McWay Falls and Partington Cove in layers; ocean breezes keep it cool (60°F), but the views are prime. Watch for migrating gray whales from clifftop trails.
How to Avoid Spring Break Crowds in March
I learned this lesson the hard way when I booked what I thought was a “quiet beach getaway” to Panama City Beach, only to arrive during peak spring break week.
My hotel turned into a 24/7 party zone, beach prices doubled, and I couldn’t find a peaceful spot anywhere. Here’s how to avoid my mistake.
When Spring Break Actually Happens
Spring break isn’t a single week but rather a rolling 4-6-week window.
- Early March (1st-10th): Southern colleges, fewer crowds
- Mid-March (11th-20th): PEAK chaos, since most US colleges overlap
- Late March (21st-31st): Winding down, but still busy in traditional spots
My rule: If you’re avoiding crowds, skip March 10-22 entirely at traditional spring break destinations.
Destinations to Completely Avoid Mid-March
I won’t sugarcoat it: do not book the places below as they become unrecognizable during peak weeks:
- South Padre Island, Texas: Hotel prices triple, beach becomes a concert venue
- Panama City Beach, Florida: If you’re over 22, you’ll hate it
- Miami Beach (South Beach specifically): Expect bag checks, high parking rates and possible curfews. If you go anyway, stay in Brickell and visit the beach during the day
- Lake Havasu, Arizona: Spring break central for West Coast students
- Daytona Beach, Florida: Motorcycle events + spring break = avoid
The One Exception Worth Braving Crowds
SXSW in Austin (mid-March) is the only “crowded” March event I actively recommend.
Yes, hotels cost $300+/night and the city swells, but the energy, music, food, and creative scene make it worth experiencing once.
Just book your hotel 6+ months early. SXSW is the one exception to my usual 6 to 8 week booking rule.
Frequently Asked Questions About March Travel in the USA
Palm Springs, California, is the warmest city on my list in March, with average highs around 83°F. Miami is close behind at about 80°F and stays much warmer at night, with lows near 67°F. Orlando averages about 79°F.
For warm weather, I pick Florida first. Miami averages about 80°F in March and the ocean is warm enough to swim, while Orlando gives you 79°F days without the summer humidity. If you want dry heat instead of beach weather, Arizona and Southern California are my next choices, with Tempe near 77°F and Palm Springs near 83°F.
Absolutely! March is one of the best shoulder season months for travel in the USA. You’ll find fewer crowds, better hotel deals, pleasant weather, and more availability at restaurants and attractions.
Austin, Charleston, and New Orleans are perfect girls trip destinations in March. Austin offers live music and food, Charleston has history and one of the best food scenes in the South, and New Orleans is in its spring festival season, with Super Sunday and the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival.
Pack layers! March weather varies significantly by destination. Bring light jackets, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen for warm destinations, and both short and long sleeves. Check the specific average temperature for your chosen destination.
Yes! Palm Springs, Memphis and Charleston are quieter during spring break than the theme park and beach cities. Tempe works too if you avoid ASU spring break week and the busiest spring training weekends. You’ll avoid the family crowds while still enjoying excellent weather and activities.
For most March trips, book 6 to 8 weeks ahead for the best rates on hotels and flights, since prices climb as March gets closer. The exception is anything during peak spring break weeks or SXSW in Austin, which you should book several months out.
Peak bloom typically occurs between March 20-April 5, though climate change has made dates less predictable. The National Park Service posts forecasts starting in February. I recommend visiting March 25-30 for the best odds.
Skip northern states like Minnesota, Michigan, and Montana unless you’re specifically seeking late-season skiing. Also avoid Panama City Beach, South Padre Island, Daytona Beach and South Beach during peak spring break weeks (typically mid-March).
Memphis is the best value on my list. Hotels and food cost far less than in Miami or Charleston, and some of my favorite stops, like Beale Street at night and the riverfront, cost nothing to enjoy. Skip Austin if you are on a budget during SXSW, when hotel rates jump.
Memphis and Tempe are the two places on my list where your money goes furthest. Memphis is cooler, with highs around 63°F, but hotels and food cost far less than Miami or Charleston, and the BBQ alone is worth the trip. Tempe gives you 77°F desert days with hotel rates below neighboring Scottsdale. Just book early or avoid the busiest spring training weekends, when rates climb.
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Last Updated: October 2026
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